Resources for Storytellers

At Odyssey, we know that everybody has a story. And everybody deserves to be heard. You may love the stage or this may feel like the most terrifying thing you’ve ever done. We want to hear about the things that you’ve seen, the conversations that changed you, the moments that made you proud and the experiences that have brought you to your knees. And once a month, we create a space and some time for that – because it’s important.

If you want to tell a story, consider these tips:

Tell a true (personal) story

Choose a story that has meaning to you

Organize your story with a beginning, middle, ending ~ and a point

Know your first and last line

You can start in the action (middle) and set up the stakes

Make the story succinct and have the point be obvious – but your method of getting to the point may be surprising and have punch

Add lots of details so that listeners can picture themselves in the story

Get your body and emotions into the story

Don’t worry about being funny or serious or both; just be yourself

A good time to get serious is right after a laugh

Don’t memorize, just remember an outline, your beginning, ending and a few lines of plot; storytelling is an oral art, not a literary recital

Stick to the 10 minute time limit

There will be reminders when you need to start wrapping up and when it’s time to stop

Don’t rant; this is a place for stories, not lectures or diatribes

Relax, breathe, play

Take time to finish. Look at people, smile, and enjoy their appreciation — it’s their chance to give you something back